La Contenta
La Contenta is an earth dam located in Calaveras County, California, built in 2002. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About La Contenta
The primary purpose of La Contenta is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Calaveras County Water District (local government). It impounds the Tr Cosgrove Spring near Valley Springs.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 565 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 172 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2002, the structure is relatively new.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/25/2024.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Calaveras |
| Nearest City | Valley Springs |
| River/Stream | Tr Cosgrove Spring |
| Coordinates | 38.16950, -120.82110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 565 ft |
| Year Completed | 2002 (24 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 172 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 172 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Calaveras County Water District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/25/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01464 |
| Federal ID | CA01464 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |